472 A MODERN COMEDY
the standard in Britain and the new countries, though so
much higher than the European, is only a decent minimum,
and in some cases does not reach it; I want better wages,
even more moderate working hoars ; and the want is
common among working men wherever the British flag
flies." ("Hear, heir I") "They arc not going back on
that want; and it is no good supposing that they are ! "
("Bear, hear!" "Oh! oh!") "The equalisation of
demand and supply within the Empire is the only way of
preserving and improving the standards of life, which
are now recognised as necessary on British soil. The world
has so cuanged that the old maxim ' buy in the cheapest,
sell in the dearest market' is standing on its head so far
as England is concerned. Free Trade was never a prin-
ciple—-" ("Qh! oh!" "Bear, hear!" and laughter)
" Oh ! well, it was born twins with expediency, and the
twins have got mixed, and are both looking uncommonly
peeky." (Laughter) " But I won't go into that. . . ."
(A voice : " Better not! ") Michael could sec the mouth it
came from below a clipped moustache in a red, black-
haired face turned round at him from a Liberal bench.
He could not put a name to it, but he did not like the un-
political expression it wore. Where was he ? Oh ! yes.
. . . " There is another point in the Foggart programme :
England as she now is, insufficiently protected in the
air, and lamentably devoid of food-producing power, is
an abiding temptation to the aggressive feelings of other
nations. And here I must beg the House's pardon for a
brief reference to Cinderella—in other words, the Land.
The Speech from the throne gave no lead in reference to
that vexed question, beyond implying that a Conference
of all interested will be called. Well, without a definite
intention in the minds of all the political Parties to join
in some fixed and long-lasting policy for rehabilitation.